Serse Cosmi believes “motivation and psychology are decisive” in a Sicilian derby as Palermo take on Catania.

The Coach feels his men are fired up after ending their five-match losing streak against Serie A leaders Milan.

“Walking the streets of Palermo, I met so many fans asking me to win the derby. The people want this result, as it is a game with a very special value, almost representing a Scudetto.

“I think in a derby the motivation and psychology are decisive. A game can be decided by many factors, but if we step on to the field with the right mentality, then we can get the points.”

Cosmi must do without the injured Josip Ilicic and possibly Mauricio Pinilla, so Fabrizio Miccoli could lead a 3-5-1-1 system with support from Javier Pastore.

“Only in Italy do we believe a centre-forward has to be a tall and powerful figure. Just look at Barcelona,” noted the tactician.

“Miccoli used to drive me crazy when I started working with him all those years ago, as he continued to move like a centre-forward even when I didn't want him to. He has a sophisticated way of moving and can bring the ball under control in every imaginable way.”

Cosmi hinted that, with Ilicic out of action, Giulio Migliaccio could return to his usual midfield slot.